1
as in wise
displaying or marked by rude boldness
the nervy waiter held up the small tip and called out to the departing customers, "Hope it doesn't break the bank!"
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adventurous
inclined or willing to take risks
nervy rock climbers wanting to make gravity-defying ascents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in nervous
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
I'm a little nervy about my first job interview
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nervy
Marty Supreme is nervy and New York–y and based on a famous table-tennis player.
—
Joe Reid, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2025
The last time San Diego State opened a men’s basketball season against Long Beach State, in 2010, Kawhi Leonard and the Aztecs trailed by one deep into the second half and needed three 3s by backup guard James Rahon to grind out a nervy road win.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025
Nevada scored a late TD in that one to cause a nervy final two minutes.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2025
The thriller — more horrific than straight-up scary — is worth checking out, if only for the late Brittany Murphy's nervy turn as a razor-wielding woman confined to a sanatorium.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Joe Reid, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2025
The last time San Diego State opened a men’s basketball season against Long Beach State, in 2010, Kawhi Leonard and the Aztecs trailed by one deep into the second half and needed three 3s by backup guard James Rahon to grind out a nervy road win.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025
Nevada scored a late TD in that one to cause a nervy final two minutes.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2025
The thriller — more horrific than straight-up scary — is worth checking out, if only for the late Brittany Murphy's nervy turn as a razor-wielding woman confined to a sanatorium.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nervy
Adjective
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This show has been so amazing for us, not just friendship-wise and getting so close to each other, but also being a part of something that people love.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Feb. 2026
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The sad thing is the Dolphins, in a wise effort to build the trenches during the past two years, have used lots of draft capital (left tackle Patrick Paul was a 2024 second-round pick and left guard Jonah Savaiinaea was a 2025 second-round pick) in that area.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The fire sign is a direct, bold, fiery, passionate force to be reckoned with, which is ideal for anyone who dreams of an adventurous, perhaps even globetrotting affair.—
Maressa Brown,
InStyle,
15 Feb. 2026
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Royal Caribbean Best for adventurous couples cruises Couples cruises on Royal Caribbean are affordable, packed with fun things to do on board, and sail to romantic destinations.—
Megan duBois,
USA Today,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Given the snowy conditions and fatigue levels, these are nervous moments for the athletes, with mere seconds separating winning from losing.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
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Hollywood version The team may have been extra nervous given that the previous high-profile adaptation of The House of the Spirits was a 1993 movie in English starring Hollywood actors like Meryl Streep, Glenn Close and Jeremy Irons.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The Gone Girl alum, who shared different cheeky angles of the monochromatic workout set, gave the sporty look a glam update with a sultry beauty look—and a loud luxury change of scenery.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
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Badlands might be a simple movie on the surface, but it's filled with little details, bits of lore, and cheeky winks many moviegoers appreciated.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Below, designers reveal other trends that may have once been considered daring and timely but now stick out like a sore thumb.—
Lacey Ramburger,
The Spruce,
19 Feb. 2026
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Armed with beauty, daring/hustle and sheer force of will/unwavering ambition, Undine battles an entrenched elite, fearlessly courting controversy, until love and fortune align.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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While the consequences of skipping routine medical care may not always be immediate, Muthyala said providers are worried about the downstream impact all of this will have on the health of the community.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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Some were worried about not competing for championships because of being out of the WPIAL.—
Chilekasi Adele,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But his Rainbow Coalition, a bold alliance of Blacks, Whites, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans and LGBTQ people, helped pave the way for a more progressive Democratic Party.—
John Blake,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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The movies that would be honored here, by contrast, were bolder than the Spirits usually go, resulting in a truly independent raft of winners.—
Film Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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A little more than a week and five wins later, his young, talented and fearless team has delivered.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 Feb. 2026
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Chen, then 18 years old in his Olympic debut, bounced back in a fearless free skate that moved him into fifth overall.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nervy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nervy. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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